Due to a ratings uptick and Kimmel's increasing popularity -- he's
hosting the Emmys again next month -- the Alphabet net is confident "JKL" will thrive in the earlier hour.

Disney/ABC TV president Anne Sweeney said in a statement: "Given the passionate fan base 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' has built over the past decade and the show's ratings and creative momentum this season, the time is right to make this move."

The Alphabet net also announced that Kimmel will be swapping spots with "Nightline," which is also adding an extra hour to its Friday-night programming, in the 9:00 p.m. prime-time slot, beginning March 1.